Copyright 2017 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Wichita Falls, Texas – The Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District wants citizens to be aware that two cases of mumps in adults have been identified in Wichita County.

Mumps is a very contagious disease caused by a virus and is best known for the puffy cheeks and swollen jaw that it causes. It may also cause fever, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, or tiredness.

Anyone who is not protected against mumps is at risk of getting infected. Mumps spreads through saliva or mucus from the mouth, nose, or throat. This can occur when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Transmission can also occur when sharing items such as cups or utensils, or touching contaminated surfaces.

The best way to protect against mumps is to get the measles-mumps-rubella vaccination (MMR). Doctors recommend that ALL children get the MMR vaccine.

• Children 12 months of age or older should have two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days. • Teenagers and adults without evidence of immunity (protection) to mumps should have two doses of MMR vaccine, separated by at least 28 days.

Be sure to wash your hands frequently and cover any coughing or sneezing. If you think you or someone in your family may have mumps, please call your primary care provider to let them know prior to visiting their medical office.

If you have specific questions about the mumps, please call the Health District at 940.761.7803 or 7892.

For more information on the MMR vaccine, please call the Health District’s Immunization Clinic at 940.761.6841.

Copyright 2017 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.